Cyber Security Degrees » Schools by State » Montana

The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated two institutions in the state of Montana for their outstanding cyber security programs - Missoula College and Great Falls College.

Both programs offer undergraduate programs and are linked with other schools, such as the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Excelsior College - the latter having the only online opportunities available among the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE).

Online Cyber Security Programs in Montana

Through a joint effort between Missoula College, Excelsior College, and the University of Montana, students can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.

The process begins at the accredited Missoula College and first pursuing the Associate of Applied Sciences in Network Administration and Security. Students are able to gain foundational education in network security, cryptography, and legal and ethical issues in the industry. Students are then able to transfer to Excelsior College to complete the BS, which also offers online opportunities.

Master's in Cyber Security Degrees in Montana

At this time, there are no Master's degrees in the cyber security field in the state of Montana. Residents in the state can consider further education with an online opportunity from elsewhere. Holding an undergraduate degree, typically a Bachelor's degree, with a cumulative 3.0 GPA is at least recommended. Higher scores are especially beneficial in the later years of the program.

Prior coursework should be completed in multiple levels of calculus and computer programming. In some cases, entrance exam scores, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), will need to be submitted, or they will be optional and prospective students can use them to enhance their application.

Getting Started Working in Cyber Security in Montana

Another undergraduate option for those looking at entry-level potential in the industry is pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at Great Falls College, which is linked to Montana State University.

This program requires four semesters to complete and some of the example courses students will take include Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, Exploring Computer Forensics, Introduction to Linux, and Ethical Hacking and Network Defense.